So, I am still young and don't have a steady source of money. I am also fairly new into numismatics, but I've decided over the past few months I want to focus on collecting early copper, preferably U.S. large and half cents, not colonials. Since I'm on a strict budget, I cant spend a ton of money on coins, and I also cant buy all the time, but I would still like to buy and right now finish my (started) date set of Braided Hair large cents. Any advice on either ways to collect on a budget or any sites that sell these types of coins for affordable prices? Thanks!
Be patient, save what you can in a consistent way and buy the best quality possible on your budget (even it it means that it will take you longer to complete your set). I share this opinion because I think at times that we, as collectors, sometimes rush to put a set together only to be disappointed by quality when the set is complete.
Given what you're looking to collect, I think EBay is as good as any other source. And that pains me to say given EBay's complete lack of customer service!
So I'm 10 years older and have a steady source of income and I only allow myself $50/month for coin collecting. It's very difficult to hold off on buying everything I see. Some tips: 1. If you don't have money, don't go shopping. 2. Figure out how much you're willing to spend on whatever coin you need. Don't spend more than that. 3. Save up and buy one good coin every 3-6 months instead of a bunch of okay coins every month. 4. Think of inventive ways to save more money. Do you buy Starbucks everyday? Perhaps eat out often? Get a smaller drink (or skip it) and then take that dollar you saved and put it towards coins. Eat at home and you'll not only have the opportunity to eat healthier, but cheaper. 5. Don't go over budget. But if you do, that means you shouldn't even come near a coin purchase until you're back in the black. 6. Spend some time on the collection you already have. I bet you have some coins that are ungraded, unphotographed, uncataloged, unappreciated. When you get the coin itch, focus on those coins. 7. Trade or sell coins you don't want/need. 8. Spend some time researching a topic of numismatic interest and share it with the group. 9. Live vicariously through CT Members who have higher budgets/access to coins than you do. 10. Focus your collecting interests to fit within your budget. If you have a $50/month budget, you shouldn't be collecting $20 Gold Coins. 11. Review your budget (and have an actual budget, my wife and I use excel) and see where you're spending most of your money and see if you can be spending it elsewhere. 12. Purchase direct and bargain with dealers/sellers. Don't be afraid to walk away. That's all I have off the top of my head.
I get a ton of mileage out of this one; it really keeps my head in the game. @HarrisonF38, you've chosen a series to collect which is mostly inexpensive and plentiful in lower grades, if that's appealing to you. That means you'll be able to find them easily on Ebay, they're unlikely to be counterfeited, and there won't be a lot of competition because they can be collected in more-expensive form - examples are not hard to find on the market. So, your only real problem is deciding on the quality of the seller, which isn't difficult either once you know what to look for. There are currently almost 11,000 of them listed on Ebay.... The key is patience.
Don't forget about clubs like EAC. There will be others who are interested in Braided Hair Cents and probably have been at it for a long time. You can pick up lots of knowledge and tips. If you are in an area were you can get to their convention or find a mentor nearby, that's even better.
Don't overlook world coins. A good way to save money is to collect a world set. For example, I was able to buy a raw 1915 Austrian corona in MS66 for $18. For the equivalent US coin (a 1915 Barber quarter) I'd have to pay a hundred times that for an example in the same grade. The mintage for the Austrian corona is a bit higher, but they aren't much more common in that grade than the Barber would be. The difference is all to do with supply and demand. Also, study numismatics extensively; especially what you intend to specialize in. Specializations will let you cherry pick effectively and save a lot of money. You can even buy coins for resale and help to offset a lot of your collection costs.
While these guidelines are often really, *really* hard to follow, they are good guidelines. In terms of importance, I'd like to highlight a couple: You may want to go out and buy as much as you can. DON'T!!!! Focus on quality, originality, and eye appeal. If your budget can't afford it, save for a few months until you can. In 10 years, you'll thank us when you have a (smaller) collection of really nice coins that everyone wants, instead of a heaping pile of brown junk. While you're saving for the coin, read everything you can. Learn everything you can. Absorb all the information, so that when you do have the money to make the purchase, you have the knowledge at your fingertips - you know what a problem free, original, high quality, eye appealing piece looks like. You will know what you are looking for, and you can buy it confidently. I can't emphasize this enough. You know how much you can afford per month on coins. You want to buy coins. Sometimes, we want the St. Gaudens, but we can only afford the Washingtons. Sure, you could save for a couple of years for the St. Gaudens (yeah, I have a 1796 half dollar fund.... I'll get one in 20 years or so).... but by then your interest will probably have waned. Collect within your means - and live vicariously through the members here. Going to a couple of nearby coin shows is also a really good way to gain knowledge, see coins, talk to collectors, learn about other series, see things you wouldn't get to otherwise, and potentially buy cool stuff. Good luck, and we look forward to seeing your purchases![/quote][/quote]
Only thing I can add is, assuming you are an able bodied 20 year old, there are plenty of ways to get out and earn extra income if you're willing to sacrifice a little free time. Drive uber, caddy (the greatest job in the world for a number of reasons), UPS generally has package handler spots with different work hours, etc. etc. Even finding something part time 15 hours a week won't sacrifice a ton of your free time and you'll have an extra $500 or so per month to put towards coins or anything. edit: also check around the house for items you don't need or want any more and list them for sale. I bought my first MS67 morgan selling household items I don't have use for anymore on craigslist and ebay. Can be a little bit of a hassle but it's a win-win in that you raise funds and clear out clutter.
I have a holed large cent collection. You could always search and buy from the dealers cull boxes. When you have money buy a nice example. Always get the best you can. I like to stick to a certain color for my coins. I like grayish coloring. dont be a big rush
